What a Dish!
Heirloom tableware is often passed down from mother to daughter, but whether you are looking to find that one missing piece or hoping to realize your own fresh take on so-called special occasion plates, check out these guidelines for gathering a classic-inspired collection.
Add to an Existing Set. If you already have a good working set of dishware, try integrating new items that complement the ones you already have. Perhaps this means incorporating plates featuring similar colors or patterns to the others. Or maybe you prefer to add to your set by searching for items that your mother or grandmother had passed up or lost long ago—perhaps they never got around to collecting or replacing that lone sugar bowl.
For instances like this, identify the manufacturer of the set by looking for a maker’s mark on your pieces. Often, this can be found on the back of the collection’s larger items. This knowledge will help you communicate to antiques dealers the exact items you are seeking.
Start a New Collection. If starting over—or if you never had a collection to begin with—first think about your lifestyle. If these plates will serve as more functional, everyday items, choose a set you won’t constantly worry about. However, if these are for display purposes, like with Jennifer’s gallery wall, you may want to focus on the design rather than the pieces’ durability or longevity under daily wear and tear. Also, acquiring a new collection from scratch requires considering your budget and the number of pieces you would like to have. Can you make the investment to have every item from the collection, or would you rather have certain key pieces that will help you outfit your dinner table or walls?